I highly recommend the IWC to anyone interested in learning more about wolves. The IWC provides an unbiased perspective of wolves based on scientific information. The emphasis is on educating the public with facts versus the prevailing myths that surround wolves. I have been visiting the IWC in person and following the wolves online since 2003. The Ely, MN center is a wonderful place to see wolves up close. There is a really beautiful interactive display area where both adults and children can learn all about the amazing lives of wolves. If you can’t visit in person, the wolf.org website is really great with cameras that allow you to observe the wolves from the comfort of your home!
Had a great experience in 2018 when I came up and did the photography weekend with the wolves. Took some great pictures and learned how look for different postures of the wolves and what they mean which added to my experience. Am planning on going back up sometime in fall.
The International Wolf Center’s mission is to educate people about wolves, their interactions with the environment, and their relationship with humans around the world. Through their daily presentations, interactive education exhibit, and their resident wolves, the center does a wonderful job of this! Each and every individual that works at the center is engaging and enthusiastic when talking about the wolves at the center and wolves across the world. As someone who interned at this center last summer, I could not speak highly enough of this center and it’s employees.
I have been visiting IWC for nearly 25 years. It is where I fell in love with wolves and learned the importance of conservation as a child. It helped guide my career choice down the road. On nice days, wolves are visible right up at the viewing windows. Staff give enrichment to bring wolves out on a regular basis. Staff are also always present to answer guest questions. I also recommend to visit during different seasons!
The International Wolf Center is one of the best places to learn about wolves.The staff there is really friendly and helpful.Whether it's to learn about the wolves and their habitats or to chat,they are friendly to talk with. If your in Minnesota and want a great place to visit and you love wolves,I wholeheartedly recommend the wolf center up in Ely. It is completely worth the drive up there. I personally love it.
The information about the wolves is top-notch. They truly care about their animals, keep their fans updated, have an amazing place to visit, and superb stuff with the coronavirus going on!! I always love the International Wolf Center in Ely!!!
This is a fantastic non-profit institution, which I've been a supporter and admirer of for many years. Our family visits to their center have always been some of the highlights of our year, and the care, attention to their mission, and incredible work they do on behalf of the wolves is wonderful to see. Many thanks to all the staff and supporters!
As a long time member and volunteer, I can confidently say that first and foremost, the center is focused on education. Particularly about wolves, but also about the wild lands they call home. The time and care invested in the animals in their care can’t be matched anywhere. The staff truly do provide the best possible care to the ambassador wolves, and teach the public how wild wolves fit into he ecosystem
I have been involved for about 15 years and find the organization to be mission driven. It is flexible in program presentation and management of the wolves on site. The leadership evaluates, prioritizes, sets goals to meet the mission. I have been involved at all levels from pup care, stuffing envelopes, working booths, being a board member and chairing committees. I am proud to be a member of the International Wolf Center and proud of the education work we do.
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I follow many wolf groups and am a wolf advocate. This organization is essential in keeping wolves safe. Without it, many will die. It extremely important to keep this organization running for the welfare of these beautiful creatures.
IWC provides top notch education about the often misunderstood wolves. I’ve learned so much and continue to support their work. If you visit Ely, this is a stop you can’t afford to miss!
The International Wolf Center is the place to obtain the most detailed and non biased educational information. The center educates the public regarding wolves and their place in the environment.
International Wolf Center has been a part of our family tradition for over 12 years. We benefit in so many ways: visiting the center in Ely, participating in workshops, volunteering at the MN State Fair exhibit, serving as pup care staff, learning from webinars, and watching the wolf cams. Such an amazing way to learn about a beautiful animal.
We have been members of this great organization since 2003 and strongly believe in there education about wolves. It has taught me a lot on how wolves are no different than humans, as far taking care of their family and all. I am still learning about the different types of wolves there is, here in the United States and other locations of the world. How we as humans, need to know how important they are to our environment and removing different animals from our world, can change our environment or ego system. My husband try to get up there at least once a year and sometimes more.
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My husband and I have been a member and donor of this great cause, for about 10 years. It is great talking with the staff members that are in the cites and up in Ely, MN. They teach about the habitat that wolves live in the wild. You can learn about behaviors of wolves, how they are doing in the US and abroad. It is always very interesting to learn at the center about what's for dinner - for the ambassador wolves that are located on site; behind the scenes and if you are there in the evening, you might have one of the ambassador wolves come close to the window so you can get a nice photo of them. There are other programs that you can be involved with; for instant how they can search for collared wolves, in the wild with the use of telemetry; signs of where the wolves have traveled by recognizing wolf tracks, etc. So much to be educated about wolves and their survival.
I visited the International Wolf Center for the first time last September and thoroughly enjoyed it. The young wildlife biologists that presented the programs did a superb job, and the “Discover Wolves” exhibit is very well designed. I appreciate most the center’s mission of educating the public about wolves and their place in our world. I highly recommend giving this unique nonprofit organization a visit.
Really great experience! My children loved it! Their programming is first rate and the staff and volunteers are amazing, knowledgeable, and friendly. We plan to visit again and would recommend this as all!
We have been members for 3 years now and love supporting the Wolf Center. It has been fun getting to know the individual ambassador wolves through our visits. The staff is very knowledge,
friendly and always willing to answer questions. As members we have enjoyed participating in activities such as Tracking the Pack and Behind the Scenes. My fourteen year old son was able to volunteer for a month last summer while he was visiting his grandparents. We appreciated the curator giving him the opportunity to help out with various jobs! We can't wait to get back up and visit in 3 weeks!
I've been to the International Wolf Center three times and each time the visit was extraordinary! From the layout and interpretation to the staff and stars, I'm grateful for the work they do and look forward to coming back. The stars? That would be the wolves, of course.
I was an intern and volunteer for the International Wolf Center and their education, wolf care, and extra programming is top notch. Very caring staff and board, with the main goal to help wolves escape from their undeserved scrutiny through education. I loved it there and miss it terribly. Highly recommend visiting. There's something for everyone to enjoy and learn!
I love the International Wolf Center! Everything from the items they sell to the admission to the multiple events they provide is priced reasonably. They treat their wolves so well and they take such great care of them! Thr center itself is easy to find and it's beautiful! The center is so clean and amazing!
IWC has changed our lives. We have been returning twice a year since our first visit years ago. We have learned SO much about wolves and how the natural world works. Staff is AMAZING- their love of the wolves in their care is do evident and their well being is top priority. As a result of the IWC we belong to several organizations promoting wolves and other wild life. We can’t say enough about the wolves, staff and organization.
The International Wolf Center is our "go to" spot for day trips -- 4 to 5 times a year. Knowledgeable staff, excellent wolfcare givers and a fun time every time we visit. Their stated mission and teachings are balanced and fair to people on both sides of the fence on what the future of North American wolves should be--then you decide. We love this place and the wolves.
This was 1 of the coolest and safe place to beable to view the behavior of wolves in thier habitat. Plan on going back some summer soon
This is an amazing place to learn about an often misunderstood species. I have thoroughly enjoyed each of my visits to the International Wolf Center and love that they offer online resources (including a fun wolf cam) as well.
What a great experience we had here! We got to see the wolves in action after learning so much in the display area. Great family activity!
I’ve visited the International Wolf Center, Ely Minnesota on 4 occasions over the past 3 years. I’m from the UK. It was an amazing experience each time and wonderful to view the wolves. I attended the evening viewings too. The staff are very knowledgeable and helpful. I look forward to visiting again in 2021!
I recommend the Wolf Center to all people visiting our RV campsite located in Gilbert, MN as a great place to visit.
Beautiful facility, great education staff and programs, terrific asset for northern Minnesota! I attended a training here for educators and was so impressed!
Great educational spaces inside the actual building, plus a variety of webinars and things to view online. Really good place to learn about wolves.
I have followed the IWC for the past few years. They provide some of the finest wolf care on the planet. Already experts, they analyse each new situation, or new condition unique to a certain wolf and come up with ingenious solutions - their minds are always open to further knowledge. Their webinars and updates are very well crafted , highly educational and a joy to watch. Their care is truly tender loving care. They are a very fine organization.
We found this wonderful place when Boltz and Luna were pups and have loved it ever since. We are able to visit at least once a year and stay in touch with the webinars and weekly updates. It's thrilling to follow the wolves as they grow up and establish relationships. The staff at the center are knowledgeable and very friendly. You can even communicate directly with the head curator. We adopt most or all of the wolves each year. So get individual updates on each of them. We will continue our membership forever.
The International Wolf Center (IWC) is truly a special organization. Besides a center where you can come face to face with wolves, they take great care in providing educational material on a daily basis, that is based in scientific fact - not hearsay or hype.
The Board and staff are highly engaged and truly passionate about the mission of the center. During the pandemic, the staff has provided hours upon hours of free educational sessions and webinars.
On a 4 year basis, the IWC hosts a symposium that is truly world class. And, on a 4 year cycle, they add pups to their exhibit. (2020 was set to be a pup year but the pandemic caused the decision to delay until 2021.)
The Center publishes a quarterly magazine for all members that is chock full of information and beautiful pictures. A retail store (at the center and online) provides shoppers with quality logo gear and wolf-themed items.
Throughout the year there are events like the annual auction, a gala, wolf care webinars and biologist webinars, adventures, and special programs. Look them up at www.wolf.org!
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I have been a member since the 90's and have not only watched the center grow but it did so while staying true to its mission which is to educate. In a time when we are bombarded by information from many channels, it's important to know what is fact versus fiction.
As a member, I have watched wolves on webcams daily, attended informative webinars, received a quarterly magazine full of information and pictures, got discounts on great wolf themed items, visited the Center several times, participated in a howl and tried my hand at telemetry, attended a wolf symposium run by the Center, and met some great folks who are dedicated and enthusiastic about sharing their passion. I cannot begin to quantify all that I have experienced and gained from my membership over the years!
Wolf lover or not, you owe it to yourself to learn more about the natural world around you. The International Wolf Center can help you do that! Below is a pic of me (Left) at the center last October with Wolf Curator Lori Schmidt. And a pic of Greyson and Axel from a visit in May 2019.
I recently found this group on Facebook and am delighted and humbled by the work they do toward educating the public of the plight of the wolf, their importance to our eco system, and how we can participate in saving these beautiful endangered animals.
I was introduced to the IWC about 20 years ago and I immediately feel in love with the wolves and beautiful center. Since then, I've become a volunteer and have met all the loving people who help run/work the center. It was a great pleasure to have met the curator Lori Schmidt, and got to hear some of her great stories. The directors and board members I have met have so much passion, and have spent so much of their time with the wolves and hard work on creating a beautiful educational facility. It's a very peaceful place for all to see, no matter what age.
Amazing place! Very informative and great for all ages to learn about wolves! Staff is very friendly and helpful!
The International Wolf Center has been a great place to visit for my whole family. My picture shows the very first Ambassador wolf pups to arrive in Ely. The educational experience and staff at the center have truly enhanced my understanding of wolves and their importance and impact in a healthy ecosystem.
I have been a 5th grade teacher in IN for over 20 years. I became a fan of wolves as as teenager, so obviously I have followed the International Wolf Center since its inception. As a member of the general public and as a teacher, I love everything they do to educate the public and support wolves worldwide.
I have used their resources since day one of my teaching career, but my relationship with them became more intimate during and since I had the privilege of attending an educational Wolf Weekend at IWC. Now I still use the free resources they provided then, but they also provide my students with fun and educational items free of charge. These items inspire my students each year and are such a blessing to the education of these young minds!
The best learning experience about Wolves and their relationships within the pack and in the ecosystem. Up close viewing of these misrepresented apex predators gives a balanced view of the dynamics of a pack. The new exhibit inside the center provides a learning experience for all ages while showing a diverse picture of the family nature of Wolves. A must for Wolf lovers and those who still hold outdated negative images of Wolves.
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I have been journeying to the wolf center since 2014 for volunteering on the working for wolves crew, pupcare in 2016, and many of the educational adventure programs. Every time it is a wonderful experience watching the wolves and speaking with staff. Everyone is dedicated to the mission of the center but foremost to the best care of the wolves. The dedication to the wellbeing of the pack is outstanding. This is a must visit for learning about the importance of wolves to the ecosystem. Ely and surrounding area have many opportunities to be in nature. Their are also interesting shops and small museums to visit. If you can't get to the center, watch the pack on their webcams!
I live in MN and have visited the International Wolf Center a few times and each time I am amazed at everything they have to offer for all ages. I learn something new or see something new that I may have missed before. It is just a wonderful place to visit at any time during the year.
My story with the International Wolf Center started in October 2018. For my oldest daughter's tenth birthday my husband and I let her choose a wolf to adopt. She chose Axel! Part of that gift was a trip to go visit Axel and the other wolves in the spring. We recently made that trip with my family of four, my mother in law, my two sisters, and two nieces! We had an absolute blast! The staff were so knowledgeable and eager to answer questions professionally and honestly. There was something for everyone to enjoy between the exhibit, theater, little wolf hands on play/learning center, presentation's by staff, and of course just sitting and enjoy watching the wolves up close and personal! One of my favorite moments was when we returned Saturday evening for the "What's for Dinner" class. We were one of the first people in, and as we were walking towards the wolf veiwing area, Axel was there waiting. My daughter started skipping to the auditorium and Axel trotted along beside her. It was so sweet to see her light up! We enjoyed learning so much about wolves, all nine of us! We can't wait to go back! This all started with one little girls passion and love for wolves that has now sparked interest in our whole family! Thank you for an unforgettable experience!
A wonderful place to visit with family or friends to observe and learn about wolves. The staff is knowledgeable and focused on providing excellent care of the wolves in their facility. Highly recommend a visit to Ely or join the excellent webinar series online to see and learn about the wolves. IWC does excellent work educating the world about wolves without bias.
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I have been a visitor to the IWC in Ely at least twice a year for the last 13 years. The facility is beautiful and their programs are all really well run and interesting. I admire their stand on education without undo persuasion. I highly recommend that anyone interested in learning more about wolves visit the website to learn more. Go to Ely if you can, it is a great place!
The International Wolf Center is one of the most impressive non- profit organizations because they don't push particular views on you. They give you all the information about wolves, the science of them, both sides of the political and social views of wolves and let you make your own opinions about wolves and everything relating to them. They are 100% about integrity and non-biased. They also feature so many events that are informative and entertaining for everyone visiting and while visiting, even the people who already love wolves learn new things every visit. I am one of those people who have volunteers for the International Wolf Center and I am proud to be a small part of this wonderful organization.
Is an amazing place. A lot of information and great viewing of the wolves. The volunteers are great, very knowledgeable and ready to help. On our visit the wolves weren't moving much so we went to the gift area. One of the volunteers came and got us when some of the wolves made it down closer to window. Greatly appreciated the extra attention!
If you want to see kids being inspired to learn, sit back and observe the kiddos engaging in learning and watching wolf behavior at the International Wolf Center. While the wolves are amazing, watching the kiddos completely enthralled takes your breath away.
I visited the International Wolf Center with my 7 and 5 year old children for the first time and I cannot wait to return! The volunteers were amazing and answered the many many questions my children had. To this day, my children call our family a wolf pack. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers and keeping us connected through the videos you post!
Been there multiple times I still love going there. Very friendly staff who are very willing to educate. Brought my niece and nephew they absolutely loved seeing the live wolves and they could not get enough of the kids Center.
I've been coming to the International Wolf Center for 20 years, been a member almost as long and I love this place. It has fantastic room for kids to learn and explore, great educational programs for all ages and of course you actually see wolves. This place holds a very special place in my heart from my childhood and I highly recommend it to everyone.
I first visited the International Wolf Center a few years after it was founded. That would've been when I was 12 or 13. I absolutely loved the place and have gone back many times since then. The education and information provided is second-to-none. I also adore all the wolves, both past and present. I'm a renewing member, and also try to visit at least once per year. I highly recommend this great place to anyone.
The International Wolf Center completely changed my professional and personal life. I always liked wolves and since my childhood I wanted to see and study them, but, I lived in Brazil and well... you get the picture. Curator Lori Schmidt and the International Wolf Center not only opened the door for me as a researcher with their classes and contacts, but it was there that I saw a wolf for the first time - so they also realized a childs dream.
Untill today, almost ten year later, I still remember when Aidan approached the window and look at me, and this is, by far, one of my most dear memories. So, the International Wolf Center not only help researchers and educate people about how wolves really are, but they make dreams come true... all around the world.
I volunteered for the wolf center in Ely a few times and have had a great experience. I love wolves, obviously, and think they're doing the right thing by just trying to educate people about them.
Such a wonderful place to spend the day, learn SO much.
Great to see the wolves playing and so well cared for.
The displays are so full of information.
I have MANY pictures if anyone would like to see them please contact me...
I believe education is at the heart of conservation and I think they strive to accomplish this on a daily basis! As an Outreach Educator the International Wolf Center enabled me to help them fulfill their mission by individually educating over 9,500 kids across Minnesota and 450+ programs in just 8 months!
From delivering programs in schools or at the AWESOME center in Ely, kids and adults alike make connections to wild things and their habitats that they just don't make anywhere else.
mom and I were there in 2005 and it was wonderful being that I am in Arizona and travel is difficult I haven't been there since but if I could I would be there many times in the coming years :-) you will love it
The International Wolf Center is absolutely incredible. Just walking through the front doors for the first time I knew it was a very special place. The IWC has a way of captivating you through their world class educational displays. The staff are so well versed and able to answer and explain any question presented. They are so knowledgeable it feels like a challenge to ask them something they don't know! I could sit and watch the ambassador wolves for hours on end at the center. And when at home, I can watch them on Webcams! It is heartwarming to see how well they are managed and cared for. A truly beautiful pack. The IWC is the leader in providing science based evidence and information on the wolf, and anything to do with this organization I 100% support!
I've been going to the International Wolf Center in Ely, MN for 20 years, because the experiences I've had there just can't be beat anywhere else. The wolves are the focus of the Center's mission and of the staff, and this is clear in every visit, presentation, program, and class. By providing unbiased scientific information and offering the chance to observe the Ambassador Pack they are true to their motto: "Teaching the World about Wolves." Magnificent, mysterious, engaging animals, the wolves at the Center are gorgeous, clearly content, and wonderful to see.
I moved to Hibbing Minnesota in late December for two primary reasons, my big brother and his wife live here, and for the wolves at Ely! I got to make my first visit two weeks ago! The drive there was so beautiful, and so interesting! Arriving at the center, you see this beautiful building, backed and surrounded by trees. It is misleading in a way because it hides the center's true size! We walked in and just as my brother was paying, they told us go to the observation deck, the wolves have just come out and are active! As a poet and author, one of my dream projects is to one day spend time among the wolves with my Nikon and photograph them and then write poetry for each photo, and combine them into a coffee table book that can be sold, with proceeds going to the Wolf Center to help with their research and projects! I grew up in the Southern California desert, we had no wolves there! Lots of coyotes! Wolves have always been a part of me, deep somewhere inside. As I sat in the observation deck and watched Boltz, I had, what I can only describe as a deeply spiritual and moving experience. I felt like Adam, in the presence of God, these were His creations. My brother watched movies and presentations on Wolves and left me to my zen peace! And it was one of the most peaceful moments I have ever experienced! It is so worth the trip! It is a MUST SEE for anyone in or travelling to Minnesota! The staff is AMAZING, knowledgeable, friendly, and answered my questions not only willingly but happily!
One of my favorite places to visit. I'm very lucky to be local so I can and do visit often. Staff is amazing, very knowledgeable and friendly. The site is also very nice. Come visit the wolves in beautiful Ely!!
I am incredibly impressed with the work done by International Wolf Center. Their organization provides critical sanctuary and opportunities for public awareness for a fascinating and endangered predator species. I was so taken by the quality of display, level of professionalism, and overall commitment to conservation when visiting the center.
Thank you for the work you do!
I first visited in the late 1990s when I was living in Texas and came to northern Minnesota for a fall vacation. I spent my summers on a nearby lake as a kid, so was familiar with the area, but had just heard about the Center. Loved it from the first moment there. Became a member and tried to keep up with it as much as I could (the internet back then not being what it is now.)
After moving back to Minnesota I started making frequent trips to Ely and would just spend hours sitting and observing the wolves. I was selected as a Pup Nanny/Pup Care Participant with the 2008 litter of Aidan & Denali - the best week of my life!! I've since been invited back to do Pup Care in 2012 and 2016. I also volunteer through the Corporate Office in the Twin Cities at the MN State Fair. I have learned so much from the staff and other volunteers - they are the best! Lori Schmidt, Curator, has the utmost respect for all the wolves and I have never doubted that no matter what, she will always do whatever is right for the wolf.
The Center always finds the very best for their intern staff also - what I respect about them is that even though they are "staff" and I am not - they are still very interested in my stories/experience with the wolves (pups) and my observations throughout the years.
This place is a MUST SEE for anyone with even an inkling of interest about wolves - the Center is a neutral party in discussions - they are not pro-this or against-that - they are all about education and letting people make up their own minds - a fresh purpose these days.
For my role - it will only allow me to select one - but I am more than one - I am a customer, member, volunteer, donor, and exuberant supporter!! :-)
